Bangs have been a timeless hairstyle staple, offering an instant makeover and a stylish way to frame your face. Whether you want to add volume, soften sharp features, or simply change up your look, bangs can be a game-changer. With so many variations of bangs available, choosing the right style for your hair texture, face shape, and personal style is key to achieving a flattering and fresh look.
This article will take you through seven different styles of hair bangs. Each style is described in detail, with tips on how to wear it, the type of face it suits, and how to maintain it. Whether you have straight, curly, or wavy hair, there is a bang style that will work for you. By the end, you will know exactly which bangs will elevate your style and help you feel confident.
7 Stylish Bang Hairstyles to Elevate Your Look
1. Blunt Bangs: Bold and Edgy
Blunt bangs are one of the most striking and dramatic styles of bangs. This style involves cutting the bangs straight across the forehead, typically at eyebrow level, for a sharp, angular look. Blunt bangs are perfect for those who want to make a bold statement with their hair.
How to Style
To get blunt bangs, you’ll need to have your hair cut straight across, with no layers. The thickness of the bangs can vary, depending on the look you want. Blunt bangs can be styled flat or with a slight bend for volume. Use a flat iron to smooth them out, or a round brush when blow-drying to add some movement.
Best Face Shape
Blunt bangs are ideal for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. They help balance out a wide forehead or pointed chin. However, those with round faces should approach this style with caution, as blunt bangs can make a round face appear even rounder.
Maintenance
Blunt bangs require regular trims every 4 to 6 weeks to keep them looking sharp and fresh. If you want to keep them from looking too heavy, a regular visit to the salon is essential. Blunt bangs can also get oily quickly, so use a dry shampoo to freshen them up between washes.
2. Side-Swept Bangs: Soft and Versatile
Side-swept bangs offer a softer, more romantic look compared to blunt bangs. They are typically longer and angled to one side, creating a gentle curve across the forehead. This style adds movement and softness to the face, while still framing it beautifully.
How to Style
Side-swept bangs can be cut long and angled from the temples toward the cheekbones. You can either wear them smooth and sleek or add some volume and texture. To style, simply use a blow dryer and round brush to sweep the bangs to one side. If you want extra volume, apply a texturizing spray or mousse.
Best Face Shape
Side-swept bangs work well with most face shapes. They are particularly flattering on square or rectangular faces, as they soften strong jawlines. This style can also help balance out a narrow forehead and add volume to the crown.
Maintenance
Side-swept bangs require less upkeep than blunt bangs, as they can grow out without becoming too noticeable. However, they still need to be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain the shape. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep them in place without weighing them down.
3. Curtain Bangs: Effortless and Chic
Curtain bangs have made a comeback in recent years, and for good reason. These bangs are parted down the middle and frame the face on either side, resembling the shape of a curtain. The bangs are usually longer than traditional bangs, often grazing the cheekbones or jawline.
How to Style
To achieve curtain bangs, you’ll need a haircut that’s longer than typical bangs. The key is to make sure they blend seamlessly into the rest of your hair, so ask your stylist for face-framing layers. You can either blow-dry the bangs with a round brush for volume or let them air dry for a more natural look. A flat iron can be used to smooth them out, but avoid making them too perfect—this style works best with a more relaxed finish.
Best Face Shape
Curtain bangs are universally flattering. They soften the look of square, round, and heart-shaped faces and work well with both short and long hairstyles. The slightly longer length can help balance out a round face, while the middle parting suits those with symmetrical features.
Maintenance
Curtain bangs grow out beautifully and don’t require frequent trims. You can go 6 to 8 weeks between salon visits, and the bangs will still look fresh. If you want to maintain the fullness of the bangs, use a light mousse or texturizing spray to keep them voluminous.
4. Choppy Bangs: Textured and Playful
Choppy bangs are all about texture and movement. Unlike blunt or side-swept bangs, choppy bangs are cut in uneven, jagged layers to create a more carefree, playful style. They add a lot of texture and work well for those who want a more laid-back, edgy vibe.
How to Style
Choppy bangs can be styled with a flat iron, curling iron, or even left to air dry for a natural, messy look. Use a texturizing spray or salt spray to enhance the layers and create a more undone, voluminous effect. You can also use a blow dryer and round brush to add extra body to the bangs.
Best Face Shape
Choppy bangs are best suited for oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. They can help balance out a strong jawline or sharp cheekbones, adding softness and movement. People with round faces should avoid excessive layering, as it can make the face look fuller.
Maintenance
Choppy bangs require regular trims to keep the layers looking fresh. However, because of the textured nature of this style, the bangs can grow out more gracefully without looking awkward. Keep the ends healthy by trimming every 4 to 6 weeks.
5. Baby Bangs: Bold and Playful
Baby bangs are a daring, fashion-forward style that involves cutting the bangs very short, often to just above the eyebrows. This style is bold and dramatic, creating an edgy, youthful look that is sure to turn heads.
How to Style
Baby bangs can be styled sleek and straight or with a bit of texture, depending on your desired look. To achieve this style, ask your stylist to cut the bangs straight across the forehead at a very short length. Use a flat iron or blow dryer to smooth them out, and add a little styling cream or pomade to add texture.
Best Face Shape
Baby bangs look best on individuals with a longer or oval-shaped face, as the short length of the bangs can help balance out a longer forehead. Those with round faces should be cautious when trying this style, as it may make the face appear even rounder.
Maintenance
Baby bangs require frequent trims, as the short length can grow out quickly and lose its shape. Expect to visit the salon every 3 to 4 weeks to keep them looking sharp. This style can also require extra maintenance to keep them smooth and polished.
6. Wispy Bangs: Soft and Feathered
Wispy bangs are light and airy, with fine, delicate strands that create a soft, romantic look. These bangs are cut with lots of layers and are often worn with texture, making them ideal for a more natural, relaxed vibe.
How to Style
Wispy bangs are often styled with a light blow-dry and can be finger-combed or brushed to keep them from looking too perfect. A texturizing spray or light mousse can help give them volume without making them too stiff. These bangs work well with tousled hair for a beachy, carefree look.
Best Face Shape
Wispy bangs are perfect for most face shapes, especially round or square faces, as they help soften the appearance of the forehead and jawline. The light layers add movement to the face, making them suitable for those who want a softer, more subtle fringe.
Maintenance
Wispy bangs don’t need as much upkeep as other styles. They can grow out nicely and still look great. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain the shape and prevent the bangs from getting too long.
7. Long Side Bangs: Elegant and Feminine
Long side bangs are a more understated version of side-swept bangs. These bangs are usually cut longer, extending past the cheekbones and blending seamlessly into the rest of the hair. They create a soft, flowing look that is both feminine and elegant.
How to Style
To style long side bangs, blow-dry them with a round brush for added volume. You can also curl them slightly to create a soft wave or leave them sleek and smooth. This style looks best when the bangs are slightly tucked behind the ear or swept to one side.
Best Face Shape
Long side bangs are great for those with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. The length of the bangs helps elongate the face and adds a touch of sophistication. This style is versatile and can be worn with both short and long haircuts.
Maintenance
Long side bangs require trims every 6 to 8 weeks, but they can grow out gracefully, blending into the rest of your hair. Use a smoothing serum to keep them shiny and frizz-free.
Conclusion
Bangs are a versatile and timeless way to transform your hairstyle. Whether you prefer a bold, edgy look or a soft, romantic vibe, there is a bang style for everyone. From blunt bangs to curtain bangs, each style can flatter different face shapes and hair types, giving you the opportunity to express your personality and style in a fresh way. By choosing the right bangs for your face shape, texture, and maintenance routine, you can enjoy a chic and flattering look all year round.
